Whether it is a day of top rope rock climbing or a scrambling journey, OCD Adventures offers an experience for any level of skill. Dana McMahon, owner and guide of the company has been in Fernie for two years and is originally from Medicine Hat, Alta.
“I am a recent graduate from the Medicine Hat College, where I completed an Applied Degree in Science, with ecotourism and outdoor leadership as the main focus My family and I decided to move out to the Elk Valley in the summer of 2014 to live out our dreams of living in an active, family community, nestled in the Canadian Rockies,” he said in an email to The Free Press.
In Dana’s bio online, he says “By the list of certifications below, you’ll be able to appreciate where the name OCD Adventures comes from.”
It’s true, with 15 listed certifications and community involvement projects such as Bachelors Degree of Applied Science, majoring in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership or camp counselor with the YMCA, and Tim Hortons Foundation the company has certainly seemed to have crossed its t and dotted its i’s.
While OCD Adventures predominately offers top rope rock climbing and mountain scrambles, the company also puts on instructional clinics.
“OCD Adventures is an outdoor experiential based adventure company,” he said. “We feel we can take the pressure off participants by not offering a regimented course. Our goal is to engage clients, young and old, in an activity that can be fun, and exciting, but also character building. All while satisfying that inner thrill seeker, in all of us.”
While locations can vary, the Thunder Valley Climbing Adventure held early last month is held in the Livingstone Gap, north of Coleman, Alta., on Thunder Mountain.
“This place was chosen, for the quality of rock, and sport climbing development that’s within an hours drive of Fernie, B.C. This is also an area that I have had a hand in development with the Medicine Hat Climbing Club over the years, and that makes me take on a natural form of stewardship for this wild area,” said McMahon. “This also is an area away from the busy highways, with elevated views, a natural river, and abundant wildlife. All in all, a ‘true mountain climbing experience’.”
The Thunder Valley Climbing Adventure, is open to beginners and McMahon believes it is perfect for families.
“The event is for anyone that is looking to experience rock climbing in a natural, mountainous environment,” he said. “This however is not a roadside attraction. There is a 30 minute hike involved that travels over loose rocky terrain, and ever changing alpine weather. Good footwear is necessary, and a moderate level of fitness would make the experience optimal.”
A Thunder Valley trip costs $125 per participant but OCD Adventures offers a 25 per cent discount for youth.
The cost covers all technical equipment and professional instruction. The company has had a range of clients according to McMahon.
“Generally we have had participants from all over the place, including Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and even Toronto. We also have booked participants from Montana, Idaho, and even the United Kingdom, and of course, the Elk Valley, and Crowsnest Pass,” he said.
The next event will be on July 29 and will be family oriented, according to the OCD Adventures website. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Crowsnest Pass.
The company hosts many events over the summer that cater to a variety of climbers. The best way to get in contact with OCD Adventures is to call 778-519-1000, or email ocdadventures@gmail.com. Participants can also go on to the website ocdadventures.net, click on the event schedule, and book their spot.